How to Hide the Emperor’s Child

Astelle's reign as empress lasted only a single day. When her marriage to Emperor Kaizen ended in divorce, she left the palace behind, carrying a secret she could never allow anyone to uncover: she was pregnant with the emperor's child. Six years later, Astelle has built a peaceful existence in the countryside, raising her young son far from the reach of the imperial court. Her hard-won tranquility is shattered, however, when imperial guards arrive at her door. Kaizen requires her consent for the empire to claim Meilen, a territory of vital importance. With the realm still reeling from rebellion, Astelle finds herself caught in a perilous game of concealment. She must guard her son's identity from the threatening forces now surrounding her quiet life—and, above all, from his own father, the emperor. But how long can a secret this dangerous endure when the ruler of the empire has set his sights on her once more?